Lymphovenous Canada: Treatment Programs in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is continuing to develop its programs for treatment of lymphedema. The lymphedema program at the Pasqua Hospital Department of Therapies in Regina was recently expanded in co-operation with the Allan Blair Cancer Centre.

An education class was started in January 2000. This class is an integral part of the treatment received by all breast cancer patients who have had node dissection and are referred to the Cancer Centre for radiation and/or chemotherapy. The purpose of the class is to introduce the signs and symptoms that may suggest problems such as lymphedema or any others. It also includes an exercise component.

Treatment facilities offer assessment, education and treatment. Assessment may indicate the need for a compression pump. Three types of equipment to treat edema are available (beginning from top of the line to acceptable):

• Sequential - 6 or 12 chamber pumps
• Segmental - 3 chamber pump
• Single chamber pumps

The Saskatchewan Aids for Independent Living (SAIL) Program funds the loan of single and 3 chamber segmental compression units for home use at no cost if prescribed by a physical or occupational therapist. This equipment is available through the Saskatchewan Abilities Council (SAC) Special Needs Equipment Program. Call: (306)374-4448 for further information. With respect to lymphedema therapy, compression garments, both custom and prefabricated, are funded through the SAIL Program. For people with primary lymphedema, SAIL will assist with the cost of sequential 6 or 12 chamber pups. For both garments and pumps, please contact the SAIL Program at: (306) 787-7121 for details.

Other forms of lymphedema treatment may be available but clients should consult with the therapist as to their individual needs.

Centres that see the majority of people with primary or secondary lymphedema in the province are:

• Royal University Hospital, Physical Therapy Department in Saskatoon, tel. (306) 655-2431
• Pasqua Hospital, Department of Therapies in Regina, tel. 306-766-2477.

Both of these centres are associated with their respective cancer clinics.

Physician referral is required to see physical or occupational therapists in all hospital based programs. Direct access is possible through the private clinics (note: some private clinics are not provincially funded so the client should ask upon booking if there is a cost involved). There is no cost involved for treatment in a hospital, community clinic or funded private practice.

The following 12 Regional Health Authorities provide services for people with lymphedema. The services may include assessment, treatment, garment measuring and ordering, information and education. For further information about health services in the health regions visit the Saskatchewan Health Web site at: www.health.gov.sk.ca

Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
Mr. Bob Allen, CEO
400-2631-28th Avenue
Regina, SK S4S 6X3
Tel: (306)791-2775
Fax: (306)584-2733

Athabasca Health Authority
Mr. Vince Robillard, CEO
Box 124, Stony Rapids Hospital
Black Lake, SK SOJ OHO
Tel: (306)439-2200
Fax: (306) 439-2212

Cypress Health Region
Mr. Jim Hornell, CEO
429-4th Avenue NE
Swift Current, SK S9H 2J9
Tel: (306)778-5100
Fax: (306)773-9513

Five Hills Health Region
Mr. Dan Florizone, CEO
455 Fairford Street East
Moosejaw SK S6H 1H3
Tel: (306)694-0296
Fax: (306)69-0282

Heartland Health Region
Mr. Ken Wersch, CEO
Box 2110, 110 Highway #4 South
Rosetown, SK SOL 2VO
Tel: (306)882-4111
Fax: (306)882-1389

Keewatin Yatthe Health Region
Mr. Richard Petit, CEO
Box 40, 1321 Pederson Avenue
Buffalo Narrows, SK SOM OJO
Tel: (306) 235-2220
Fax: (306) 235-2229

Kelsey Trail Health Region
Mr. Glen Kozak, CEO
Box 1780, 901-108th Avenue
TISDALE SK SOE 1TO
Tel: (306) 873-6600
Fax: (306) 873-6605

Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region
Ms. Kathy Chisholm, CEO
Box 6000, 227 Backlund Street
La Ronge SK SOJ lLO
Tel: (306) 425-2422
Fax: (306) 425-5432

Prairie North Health Region
Mr. David Fan, CEO
1092-107th Street
Northbattleford, SK S9A 121
Tel: (306) 446-6622
Fax: (306) 446-4LI4

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region
Ms. Cecile Hunt, CEO
1521 - 6th Avenue West (2nd Floor)
PRINCE ALBERT SK S6V 5K1
Tel: (306) 765-6400
Fax: (306) 765-6401

Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
Mr. Dwight Nelson, CEO
2180-23rd Avenue
REGINA SK S4S OA5
Tel: (306) 766-5279
Fax: (306) 766-5222

Saskatoon Health Region
Ms. Maura Davies, CEO
3rd Floor, Saskatoon Square
410-22nd Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 5T6
Tel: (306)655-3300
Fax: (306) 655-3394

Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
Mr. Dwight Nelson, CEO
2180-23rd Avenue
REGINA SK S4S OA5
Tel: (306) 766-5279
Fax: (306) 766-5222

Saskatoon Health Region
Ms. Maura Davies, CEO
3rd Floor, Saskatoon Square
4I0 -22nd Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7K 5T6
Tel: (306)655-3322

Sun Country Health Region
Mr. Calvin Tant, CEO
Box 2003, Souris Valley Grounds
1 King Street
Weyburn, SK S4H 2Z9
Tel: (306) 842-8718
Fax:(306) 842-8738

Sunrise Health Region
Mr. Joe Kirwan, CEO
Park Unit
270 Bradbrooke Drive
Yorkton, SK S3N 2K6
Tel: (306)786-0100
Fax; (306)786-0122

Margaret Guest, physical therapist, who was the contact for information on lymphedema treatment resources in Saskatchewan retired September 2005. For information on her successor please contact the Department of Therapies, Pasqua Hospital, Regina at (306) 766-2477.